I am deeply saddened by the murder last Friday of John Slane in
Belfast. Our sympathy goes out to Mr. Slane's family and friends.
This horrific killing deserves universal condemnation. I hope the
British authorities will quickly identify who is responsible.

As I have said so many times, nothing worth having in Northern
Ireland can be achieved by killing and maiming, terror and threats.
The people of Northern Ireland deserve a future of peace and
prosperity unmarred by brutality and fear in their daily lives. I
urge the people of both communities to make known in every way they
can their repudiation of violence by any group, for any reason. I
will continue to stand with those who stand for peace, today as we
commemorate the saint who brought the message of peace to Ireland,
and every day.